Fanny’s Victorian Purse

In February 1885, Fanny S. Reid received a lovely gift of a fancy leather sewing purse.

In February 1885, Fanny S. Reid received a lovely gift of a fancy leather sewing purse. This very small maroon leather bag measured a little over 3 inches by 4 inches and was lined in an expensive cream colored watered silk.

Fanny could carry the purse with its short handle and close it with metal fastenings. The back sported a pocket containing a scarlet silk notebook and pencil with the lady’s name and date of “17 February 1885″.

The bag had a double flap with the first opening revealing many handy items for Fanny – sewing silks, needle packets, needle-cases, scissors, buttonhook, and a penknife – all in tortoiseshell. The second flap opened to highlight a purse section with a catch and two compartments for her coins and visiting cards.